SHORT-SPOKEN Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

short-spoken

adjective

ˈshȯrt-ˌspō-kən

Definition of short-spoken

as in blunt

being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner don't expect much information or friendly chitchat from the short-spoken villagers

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for short-spoken

Adjective

But critics say the changes aim to solve problems that either don’t exist or don’t require such a blunt-force tool.

— Lisa Song, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
The autopsy report determined that both young women died from multiple sharp force injuries, with additional contributors to Kaylee’s death including blunt force injuries of the head and asphyxial injuries.

— Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026

Definition of blunt

Adjective

Lavish in convenience, the property is a short walk away to the Bedford Avenue subway stop, the vast and lively McCarren Park, and close to the border of the ever-evolving Greenpoint neighborhood.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
The new short film by writer-director Maggie Gyllenhaal will premiere at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival.

— Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026

Definition of short

Adjective

Hundreds of thousands of people had gathered peacefully in the German capital for the annual Christopher Street Day celebrations, one of Europe's largest LGBTQ events, before the apparent attack brought it to an abrupt end.

— Reuters, USA Today, 26 July 2026
Soto’s abrupt departure Friday didn’t help a Mets offense that managed only one run over seven innings against 24-year-old Dodgers flamethrower Roki Sasaki, who struck out nine.

— Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026

Definition of abrupt

Adjective

Matt Damon plays Odysseus as a gruff, practical tactician, rather than an energetically inventive and morally dubious schemer.

— Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
The New Zealander drew international acclaim for roles as gruff loners and unhinged villains.

— Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 13 July 2026

Definition of gruff

Adjective

Officials in the Israeli government also used the opportunity to take a shot at Sanchez, who has been an outspoken advocate for Palestinians throughout the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 31 July 2026
Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, named for the longtime defense hawk and outspoken Ukraine supporter who died unexpectedly earlier this month.

— Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of outspoken

Adjective

After three minutes of routine and relatively curt responses, Redick was asked about the difficulty of closing a team out in a playoff series.

— Law Murray, New York Times, 1 May 2026
There are at least three potential James Bonds among these actors, and each displays his own brand of curt, strapping charm.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026

Definition of curt

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“Short-spoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/short-spoken. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of short-spoken

adjective

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